Candidate vetting

Full name

Jock Coats

Present job and place of employment

Office Systems Analyst, Oxford Brookes University Computer Services
and
Hall Warden, Morrell Hall, Oxford Brookes University

Is there any reason why your job could cause problems with your being a councillor?

I am also the non-teaching staff elected governor of Oxford Brookes University and therefore potentially more than usually likely to have to declare an interest (albeit non-pecuniary) in matters relating to Brookes

How long have you been party member?

Ten years exactly at end of current membership (Sept 07)

What originally attracted you to the party?

Family background (Scottish non-conformist), previous voting history and disappointment with post 1997 one party authoritarian state in Britain.

Do you disagree with any Liberal Democrat policies nationally or locally and, if so, which?

Local Income Tax is probably the most important one, as I am a Land Value Taxer (secretary of the Lib Dem campaign group ALTER).
Locally, I disagree with the proposal for an urban extension for Oxford, particularly large scale development in one place such as Grenoble Road and will want to continue to campaign for an approach to redeveloping the city’s suburbs at higher densities and better quality housing as an alternative.
Also large capital projects such as leisure centres or Town Hall redevelopment should be carried out as innovative social partnerships and not as fully tax-payer financed public works.
I do not support unitary status at present time (based on City Council’s performance history) and would want to campaign for re-parishing the city as part of devolution agenda .
I still support elected mayors, if the debate were re-ignited locally.

Have you ever been a member of another political party/group? (If so, give details)

No

Offices held (if any) within the Party, at all levels, past and present

Oxford City Councillor ex-officio rep on Oxford East executive.
Secretary of Lib Dems ALTER.
Member of Civil Liberties and later Housing Policy Working Parties.

Previous public elections in which you have stood as a candidate (all levels)

May 1999 Old Marston & Risinghurst City Council Election
May 2002 Quarry & Risinghurst City Council, May 2006 Quarry & Risinghurst City Council

Other campaigning experience not included above (please give examples)

Other local council elections in 2001, 2004 and 2005 and by-elections (local) in 1999 and 2005. General election campaign 2001/2005. Hate campaigning! But can deliver!

Other bodies of whichyou are a member (e.g.trade union, community group, school governing body, etc.

Chair, Oxfordshire Community Land Trusts,
Member, Oxford Brookes UNISON branch,
Governor, Oxford Brookes University (elected, non-teaching staff)
Director, Oxfordshire Social Enterprise Forum

Are you a member of The Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC)? If not, are you willing to join ALDC?

Not at present time. Would rejoin if elected.

On what local or policy subjects do you consider yourself to be well qualified?

Housing.
Alternative financing mechanisms (Open Capital).
Social enterprise.
Planning.

How much time can you give to working in a ward or division, if elected?

I will need to cope! All the time I previously used as a councilor is occupied with good causes picked up as a councilor – I’ll just need to rejig some of that commitment or create more time!

How much time can you give to campaigning in your ward between now and the election if selected?

I’m not a good campaigner. But will do what I am told! I would also like to see the manifesto preparations opened up to internal party discussion much earlier than in previous elections (ie about now!) and would participate in its development.

What help have you given to other election campaigns including nearby local by-elections during the past few years?

Helped in Northfield Brook by-election. Obviously worked in my own campaign in 2006, and delivered leaflets in Headington Hill & Northway in previous years. Assisted in county by-election in Wolvercote. Mostly assisting on polling day itself but also taking some delivery in the lead up to it. Participated in city group manifesto preparations for 2002, 2004 and 2006

Would you prefer to stand in any particular wards or areas?(If so, which)

In the north east area committee area primarily as I live there.

What do you hope to achieve on the Council?

To support a Liberal Democrat run City Council executive!
To increase the awareness and use of social enterprise in the delivery of public goods.
To provide relevant expertise on housing and planning issues, with an emphasis on Community Land Trusts (party policy) and urban renewal.
Innovative ideas on partnership financing of large scale capital projects.

Are there any other matters which might cause embarrassment?

I have used illicit substances occasionally, including class C (cannabis) and Class A (ecstasy) drugs. I have a blog (http://www.jockcoats.org.uk) which has been quoted against me in the past by political opponents but will robustly defend myself where appropriate.

Will you accept the Liberal Democrat Group’s Standing Orders? (copy attached where relevant)

I expect so. In 2001 I was on the group that revised the group standing orders but have not seen them since. I doubt they have changed significantly.

Are you prepared to fill in and sign the Council’s Declaration of Interest Form and declare interests at meetings (including Group meetings)?

Yes.